Finger training method and device thereof

ABSTRACT

Devices, systems, and methods for finger and/or grip training including hold features for engaging a user&#39;s finger to work against a load.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/418,450, filed Nov. 7, 2016, the disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, and includingat least those portions related to finger training.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods forfitness training, and more particularly to devices, systems, and methodsfor finger and grip training.

Finger strength and/or stamina can be important to many types ofactivities, for example, sporting activities. Developing finger strengthand/or stamina with particular consideration for conditions of thesporting activity of choice can enhance the effectiveness of fingerand/or stamina in the modes particular to the activity. Sportingactivities, such as climbing, benefit from particularly developedfingers to enhance the ability of the climber to interact with theclimbing surface, for example, rock formations. General grip trainingcan fail to address challenges particular to specific activities, forexample, climbing.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures and combinations thereof:

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a finger trainingsystem for applying resistance to at least one finger of a user forphysical activity may include a resistance load having a resistancecable and a securing member connected with the resistance cable. Thesecuring member may be configured to secure the resistance cable toapply load to at least one of the user's fingers. The finger trainingsystem may include a mounting platform having a mounting body with aload feature for connection with the securing member. The mounting bodymay be formed as a plate having a length and may include first andsecond faces disposed opposite each other. The mounting platform mayinclude a mounting section and a load section arranged on opposing endsof the mounting body. The load feature may include a penetration throughthe body at the load section configured to receive the securing membertherein for transferring force of the resistance load to the body. Thefinger training system may include a collection of hold features eachselectively attachable to the mounting section of the body of themounting platform for engagement with at least one of the user's fingersto work against the resistance load. The collection may include at leastone basic hold feature and at least one advanced hold feature eachforming an engagement platform oriented towards the load section of thebody for engagement with at least one of the user's fingers to workagainst the resistance load. The engagement platform of the basic holdfeature may have uniform contour along the length direction of the bodyto provide the user a beginner grip on the basic hold feature.

In some embodiments, the at least one advanced hold feature may includea custom hold feature. The engagement platform of the custom holdfeature may have non-uniform contour along the length direction of thebody to provide the user an expert grip on the custom hold feature. Insome embodiments, the at least one advanced hold feature may include ajourneyman hold feature. The engagement platform of the journeyman holdfeature may have uniform contour along the length direction of the bodyand may slope away from the load section to provide the user ajourneyman grip on the custom hold feature.

In some embodiments, the engagement platform of the basic hold featuremay slope towards the load section to provide the user the beginner gripon the basic hold feature. The engagement platform of the basic holdfeature may have a slope towards the load section in the range of about1 to about 10 degrees from horizontal.

In some embodiments, the mounting body may be tapered along the lengthdirection in the load section. In some embodiments, one of thecollection of hold features may be secured to the first side of themounting body. In some embodiments, another one of the collection ofhold features may be secured to the second side of the mounting body.

In some embodiments, the resistance cable may be a resilient cable andthe force of the resistance load may include elastic resilience of theresistance cable. In some embodiments, the mounting platform is a firstmounting platform and the system may further comprise a second mountingplatform secured to the resistance cable opposite from the firstmounting platform. In some embodiments, the engagement platform of eachof the collection of hold features may be configured to engage with atleast one of the user's fingers for a distance no greater than a lengthfrom the tip of the user's finger to the user's distal knuckle toimprove the user's fingertip grip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a physicaltraining system for applying resistance to at least one finger of a userfor physical activity may include a resistance load including aresistance cable and a securing member connected with the resistancecable. The securing member may be configured to secure the resistancecable to apply load to at least one of the user's fingers. The physicaltraining system may include a mounting platform having a mounting bodywith a load feature for connection with the securing member. Themounting body may be formed as a plate having a length and includingfirst and second faces disposed opposite each other. The mountingplatform may include a mounting section and a load section arranged onopposing ends of the mounting body. The load feature may include apenetration through the body at the load section and may be configuredto receive the securing member therein for transferring force of theresistance load to the body. The physical training system may include acollection of hold features each selectively attachable to the mountingsection of the body of the mounting platform for engagement with atleast one of the user's fingers to work against the resistance load. Thecollection may include at least one basic hold feature and at least oneadvanced hold feature each forming an engagement platform orientedtowards the load section of the body and configured for engagement withat least one of the user's fingers to work against the resistance load.The engagement platform of the basic hold feature may have uniformcontour along the length direction of the body to provide the user abeginner grip on the basic hold feature.

In some embodiments, the engagement platform of the basic hold featuremay slope towards the load section to provide the user the beginner gripon the basic hold feature. The engagement platform of the basic holdfeature may have a slope towards the load section in the range of about1 to about 10 degrees from horizontal.

In some embodiments, the mounting body may be tapered along the lengthdirection in the load section. In some embodiments, one of thecollection of hold features may be secured to the first side of themounting body. In some embodiments, another one of the collection ofhold features is secured to the second side of the mounting body.

In some embodiments, the resistance cable may be a resilient cable andthe force of the resistance load includes elastic resilience of theresistance cable. In some embodiments, the mounting platform may be afirst mounting platform and the system may further comprise a secondmounting platform secured to the resistance cable opposite from thefirst mounting platform. In some embodiments, the engagement platform ofeach of the collection of hold features may be configured to engage withat least one of the user's fingers for a distance no greater than alength from the tip of the user's finger to the user's distal knuckle toimprove the user's fingertip grip.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a finger trainingsystem may include a mounting platform having a load feature forapplying a load and a number of hold features each configured forselectable attachment with the mounting platform to form an engagementplatform for engagement with at least one finger of a user. In someembodiments, each of the number of hold features may be configured forselective attachment by means for releasably attaching. In someembodiments, the number of hold features may include a first number ofhold features and a second number of hold features.

In some embodiments, the first number of hold features may attach withthe mounting platform using a first attachment system and the secondnumber of hold features may attach with the mounting platform using asecond attachment system. In some embodiments, one of the number of holdfeatures may be attached to a one side of the mounting platform and asecond one of the number of hold features may attach to the another sideof the mounting platform. In some embodiments, the another side of themounting platform may be opposite the one side of the mounting platform.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a finger trainingdevice may include a mount body and a hold feature secured to the mountbody and extending therefrom to define a platform configured forengagement with a user's finger. The mount body may include a loadfeature for applying a force of load to the device.

In some embodiments, the hold feature may extend from the mount bodysuch that the platform is arranged at an angle relative to a plane ofextension of the mount body. In some embodiments, the angle of theplatform may be greater than zero. In some embodiments, the angle of theplatform may be within the range of about 1 to about 10 degrees orwithin the range of about −10 to about −1 degrees.

In some embodiments, the attachment feature may be formed offset fromthe platform in a direction orthogonal to a plane of extension of themount body. In some embodiments, a width of the platform between an endpoint there and a mounting surface of the mounting platform may be nogreater than a length between the tip of a user's finger and the firstknuckle of the same finger. In some embodiments, the attachment featuremay be formed as a hole penetrating through the mount body.

These and other features of the present disclosure will become moreapparent from the following description of the illustrative embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated as an exampleand are not limited by the figures of the accompanying drawings, inwhich like references may indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded perspective view of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of one example of a finger training deviceaccording to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of one example of a finger training deviceaccording to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of one example of a finger trainingdevice accompanied with interfacing apparatus according to variousembodiments described herein;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a prototype of one example of afinger training device according to various embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 8 shows a front view of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein;

FIG. 9 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls down from above;

FIG. 10 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls down from above;

FIG. 11 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls up from below;

FIG. 12 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls up from below;

FIG. 13 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls up from below;

FIG. 14 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls from the side;

FIG. 15 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the user employs a bungee cord as the resistance platform, andpulls from the side;

FIG. 16 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the prototype is attached as an auxiliary to a cable weightmachine;

FIG. 17 shows one possible use of a prototype of one example of a fingertraining device according to various embodiments described herein,wherein the prototype is attached as an auxiliary to a cable weightmachine;

FIGS. 18 and 19 show possible operations of a prototype of one exampleof a finger training device according to various embodiments describedherein;

FIG. 20 is a perspective exploded view of a finger training systemincluding a mounting platform and a suite of hold features that are eachselectively attachable to the mounting platform by an attachment system;

FIG. 21 is a perspective exploded view of the finger training system ofFIG. 18 showing that the finger training system includes another suiteof hold features that are each selectively attachable to the mountingplatform by another attachment system;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the finger training system of FIGS. 18and 19 arranged to show that the mounting feature includes two holdfeatures attached thereto;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of the finger training system ofFIG. 20; and

FIG. 24 is a side view of the finger training system of FIGS. 20-22showing an attachment system therein;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of the finger training system ofFIGS. 20 and 22 arranged to show that the mounting feature includes twoselected hold features of the suite of hold features attached toopposite sides;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the finger training system ofFIGS. 21-23 arranged to show that the mounting feature includes twodifferent selected hold features of the suite of hold features attachedto opposite sides;

FIG. 27 is an exploded perspective view of the finger training system ofFIGS. 25 and 26 arranged to show that the mounting feature includes twoselected hold features (one from each of those shown in FIGS. 25 and 26)of the suite of hold features attached to opposite sides;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the finger training system of FIGS. 25and 26 having two other hold features of the suite;

FIG. 29 is a side elevation view of the finger training system of FIG.28 showing the curvature of the two other hold features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

As shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, a finger trainingdevice 10 includes a hold feature 2 that forms a platform 22 forengagement with one or more fingers of a user to act against a load anda load feature 24 embodied as a connection point for transfer of theload to the finger training device 10. The load is illustrativelyprovided by a cable system 5 which can be coupled to a resistanceagainst which the user can train her fingers to improve strength,endurance, etc. In some embodiments, the load may be embodied to includeany suitable manner and/or arrangement of apply load to the load feature24, for example but without limitation, gravity weights, bandresistance, inertia resistance, and/or the like. In the illustrativeembodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the finger training device 10 includes amounting platform 1 connected with the hold feature 2 and extendingtherefrom to form the load feature 24 for connection with the cablesystem 5.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting platform1 is embodied as a plate defining an extension plane 15 within which theplate generally lies. In some embodiments, the mounting platform 1 mayinclude curvature but generally lies within the plane 15. The holdfeature 2 illustratively connects with the mounting platform 1 andprojects therefrom in a direction orthogonal to the plane 15 to form theplatform 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the platform 22 illustratively faces generallyupward having an angle θ with respect to the horizontal line 17 (thehorizontal direction being orthogonal to the plane 15 and represented bydashed line 17). As shown in FIG. 3, the angle θ is illustrativelyembodied as the angle between the horizontal line 17 and the orientationof platform 22 as indicated by dashed line 19. The angle θ of theplatform 22 illustratively provides an engagement surface oriented withcorrespondence to the transfer of load through the finger trainingdevice 10. In the illustrative embodiment, the platform 22 has an angleθ of greater than zero. In some embodiments, the platform 22 may have anangle θ within the range of about 1 to about 10 degrees from thehorizontal line 17. In some embodiments, the platform 22 may have anangle θ within the range of about −10 to about −1 degrees from thehorizontal line 17. In some embodiments, the platform 22 may have anangle θ of about zero degrees from the horizontal line 17. In theillustrative embodiment, the platform 22 is generally uniformly flathaving the same angle θ throughout its length (into the page in FIG. 3),but in some embodiments, may have variation in the angle θ along itsdimensions in planar directions and/or directions orthogonal to theplane 15.

In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 5, the load feature 24 is formedto include a hole 6 through the mounting platform 1. The hole 6 isillustratively formed orthogonally through the plane 15 such that theupward force of the load applied by the cable system 5 (in theorientation of FIG. 5) is transferred to the finger training device 10with orientation along the plane 15 and offset from the platform 22 by adistanced(as best shown in FIG. 3). The distance d is illustrativelypresented for reference purposes to indicate the relative orientationsof the load feature 24 and the platform 22, and particularly, the loadfeature 24 at a midpoint 23 along the surface defining the hole 6 andthe platform 22 at an endpoint 25. In some embodiments, the offset d andthe angle θ collectively transfer the load applied by the cable system 5with particular orientation of the platform 22 relative to the loadapplied (the direction of load applied by the cable system 5illustratively shown in FIG. 3 as load 50, for example, such that theforce on the platform is generally aligned with the load feature 24and/or the angle of load applied to the load feature 24). Although thedirection of applied load 50 is illustratively shown parallel with theplane 15, in some instances the load 50 may be applied with an anglerelative to the plane 15 and/or may be applied to any portion of themounting platform 1 near the hole 6.

In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a width w definedbetween the endpoint 25 of the platform 22 and a surface 27 of themounting platform 1. The width w is illustratively embodied to be lessthan or equal to the length of a user's finger from the tip of theuser's finger to the first knuckle (distal knuckle). The width w isillustratively selected to fit the distal knuckle length for the averageperson, selected according to anthropomorphic data averages. Forexample, the width w may be selected to engage less than or equal to thelength of a user's finger from the tip of the user's finger to the firstknuckle (distal knuckle) for finger tips within the 85^(th) percentileof a population, but in some embodiments, may be defined by populationpercentiles of any value within a range of about 50% to about 99% of apopulation, for example, the US population). In some embodiments, thewidth w may be any suitable length and/or size for application specificfinger training. A non-limiting example width w includes about ⅔ inch.The particular width w provides a training interface for the user'sfinger which simulates a shallow engagement surface that may beexperienced during climbing.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hold feature 2 is illustratively attached tomounting platform 1 with bolts 3. Cavities 9 (counterbores) in the holdfeature 2 are illustratively shaped such that bolts 3 can pass throughand secure the hold feature 2 onto the mounting platform 1 by screwingbolts 3 into threaded holes 7 of the mounting platform 1. Hole 8 in themounting platform 1 illustratively provides means for attaching aseparate unspecified hold feature with a centrally located mounting bolt(discussed in additional detail herein). The hole 6 illustrativelyprovides for means of interfacing the device 10 with an externalconnecting apparatus, such as a carabiner or hook.

Referring to FIG. 2, an assembled illustrative embodiment of the deviceis depicted with hold feature 2 attached to mounting platform 1 with anattachment system embodied as bolts 3. Hole 6 illustratively providesfor the means of interfacing the device embodiment with an externalapparatus. In some embodiments, the attachment system 3 may comprisemeans for attaching and may be embodied as joining by any suitablemanner, for example but without limitation, fastening by fasteners ofany suitable type and/or arrangement; bonding by chemical adhesion;integral formation; press-fitting (interference fitting); and/orcombinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 3, an assembled illustrative embodiment of the device10 is depicted from a side view, with hold feature 2 illustrativelyattached to mounting platform 1 with bolts 3 that cannot be seen fromthis perspective.

Referring to FIG. 4, an assembled illustrative embodiment of the device10 is depicted from a front view, with hold feature 2 illustrativelyattached to mounting platform 1 with bolts 3. Hole 6 illustrativelyprovides means for interfacing the device 10 with an external apparatus.

Referring to FIG. 5, as assembled illustrative embodiment of the deviceis depicted accompanied by one example of an interfacing apparatus.Carabiner 4 is illustratively latched into hole 6 to secure saidcarabiner 4 onto the embodiment of the device. A cable system 5 isillustratively latched onto the carabiner 4. In such a manner, the cablesystem 5 is illustratively interfaced to the mounting platform 1 viacarabiner 4.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 19, pictures are presented illustrativelydepicting non-exhaustive examples of how a prototype of one embodimentof the disclosed designs might be used. The FIGS. 6 through 19 are innot intended to imply that the applications and usage of the discloseddesigns are limited to the scope of those depicted. Indeed, there aremany ways and manners in which the disclosed designs can be utilizedwith a plurality of resistance platforms; far too many in fact to betreated or contemplated individually and exhaustively, by this or anydisclosure.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 20-21, a fingertraining system 26 is shown. As shown in FIG. 20, the finger trainingsystem 26 illustratively includes the mounting platform 1 and a suite ofhold features 102, 202, 302 adapted for selective attachment with themounting platform 1. Each hold feature 102, 202, 302 illustrativelyprovides an outer surface 28 including at least an upper surface 30 asan engagement platform for engagement with one or more fingers of auser's hand. The mounting platform 1 includes the load feature 24embodied as a connection point for transfer of loads thereto.

In the illustrative embodiment, each hold feature 102, 202, 302 hascustom outer contouring. The custom outer contouring of each holdfeature 102, 202, 302 providing an engagement platform thatillustratively replicates various natural features, for example butwithout limitation, rock formations, ice, and/or other climbingfeatures. Removable attachment of the hold features 102, 202, 302provides a selectively configurable interface for the user's finger(s)to train and/or develop different aspects of strength and stamina.

As shown in FIG. 20, the hold features 102, 202, 302 are removablyattached to the mounting platform 1 by an attachment system 32. Theattachment system 32 is illustratively embodied as a fastener, namely abolt 34, and nut 36. The bolt 34 illustratively extends through a hole40 of the selected one of the hold features 102, 202, 302 as discussedbelow. The bolt 34 illustratively extends through hole 38 of themounting platform 1 to connect its outer threads with the inner threadsof the nut 36 to secure the selected one of the hold features 102, 202,302 with the mounting platform 1.

As shown in FIG. 20, the bolt 34 illustratively includes a head 42 and astem 44 extending from the head 42 and comprising the external threads.The head 42 illustratively engages with a receiving step 46 locatedwithin the hole 40 of the selected one of the hold features 102, 202,302. The stem 44 penetrates through the selected one of the holdfeatures 102, 202, 302 and through the mounting platform 1 forconnection with the nut 36 to secure the selected one of the holdfeatures 102, 202, 302 with the mounting platform 1. In the illustrativeembodiment, the hold features 102, 202, 302 and the attachment system 32conform with commercially available products and thus include standardsizes such that many different hold features having various contouringcan be selectively attached with the mounting platform 1.

As shown in FIG. 21, the finger training system 26 illustrativelyincludes alternative configurations. The finger training system 26includes another suite of hold features 402, 502, 602 selectivelyattachable with the mounting platform 1 by an alternative attachmentsystem 48. Each hold feature 402, 502, 602 illustratively provides anouter surface 28 including at least an upper surface 30 for engagementwith one or more fingers of a user's hand. In the illustrativeembodiment, the hold feature 502 is shaped similarly to the hold feature2.

As shown in FIG. 21, the hold features 402, 502, 602 are removablyattached with the mounting platform 1 by the attachment system 48. Theattachment system 48 illustratively includes two fasteners, embodied asbolts 52. The bolts 52 are embodied as similar to fastener 34 except areillustratively smaller in diameter along their stem 44 and head 42. Thebolts 52 illustratively penetrate through holes 54 in the selected oneof the hold features 402, 502, 602 for connection with the mountingplatform 1.

In the illustrative embodiment as shown in FIG. 21, the bolts 52 includeouter threads for threaded engagement with inner threads of holes 56 ofthe mounting platform 1. The bolts 52 illustratively engage steps 46within the holes 54 of the selected one of the hold feature 402, 502,602 and threadedly engage with the mounting platform 1 to secure theselected one of the hold features 402, 502, 602 with the mountingplatform 1.

As shown in FIG. 21, the mounting platform 1 illustratively includesboth hole 38 and holes 56 to permit selective attachment of either suiteof hold features 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602. The removable andselectable range of hold features 102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602 providesadaptability in training to provide a wide range of training stages.

An assembled arrangement of the finger training system 26 isillustratively shown in FIG. 22. The finger training system 26illustratively includes the mounting platform 1 and a plurality of holdfeatures 58, 60 secured thereto. Each hold feature 58, 60 isillustratively attached to an opposite side 63, 65 of the mounting plate1 simultaneously. The two hold features 58, 60 provide flexibility intraining by allowing the user to select which side 63, 65 (and thecorresponding hold feature) to use without requiring reconfiguration ofthe currently selected hold feature (i.e., disassembly and assembly). Inthe illustrative embodiment, the hold features 58, 60 are similar to thehold features 502, 602, respectively, but any of hold features 402, 502,602 can be selectively applied.

As shown in FIG. 23, the hold features 58, 60 are secured to themounting platform 1 with attachment system 1048. The attachment system1048 illustratively includes threaded fasteners, embodied as bolts 62,and corresponding nuts 64. The bolts 62 illustratively extend throughholes 54 of the hold feature 58, through holes 56 of the mountingplatform 1, through holes 54 of the hold feature 6 o for threadedengagement with the nuts 64.

As shown in FIG. 24, the bolts 62 illustratively extend with lengthsufficient for threaded engagement with the corresponding nuts 64. Thehead 42 of each bolt 62 illustratively engages the step 46 with in thecorresponding hole 54 of the hold feature 58 and the nuts 64 each engagethe step 46 within the corresponding hole 54 of the hold feature 60. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the stem 44 of each bolt 62 is sizedappropriately such that its outer threads do not engage the innerthreads of the holes 56 of the mounting platform 1. In some embodiments,the inner threads may be omitted in favor of the dual hold featurearrangement.

As shown in FIG. 25, one selected hold feature 402, 502, 602 can beselectively attached to the mounting platform 1 on a first side 63 andanother one selected hold feature 402, 502, 602 can be selectivelyattached to the opposite side 65. The plural hold feature arrangement ofFIGS. 22-24 can also be illustratively applied using the hold features102, 202, 302 on opposite sides 63, 65 and secured by an attachmentsystem 1032 including a fastener 1034 similar to bolt 34 but elongatedto reach threaded engagement with the nut 36 engaged with the step 46 ofthe selected hold feature on the opposing side 63, 65 as shown in FIG.26. In some embodiments, the bolt 1034 may be used in either attachmentsystems 32, 1032 to reduce parts count.

As shown in FIG. 27, the system 26 can be configured with a selectedhold feature 102, 202, 302 on one side 63, 65 and a selected holdfeature 402, 502, 602 on the other side 63, 65 secured respectively byfasteners 2034, 52. In the illustrative embodiment, the fastener 2034 ofattachment system 2032 is similar to fasteners 34, 1034 but is shortenedin length to engage the inner threads of the hole 380 of the mountingplatform 1 without projecting out to the other side 63, 65 to preventinterference with the selected hold feature on that other side 63, 65.

Referring to FIG. 28, the finger training system 26 is illustrativelyshown including other selected hold features 702 secured with themounting platform 1. Although a pair of selected hold features 702 isshown, a single hold feature 702 can also be applied to the mountingplatform 1. The hold feature 702 illustratively includes surfaces 30, 31arranged opposite each other to provide selectable engagement platformsfor engagement with at least one finger of a user's hand. The surface 30of the hold feature 702 secured to the mounting platform 1 on the side63 is oriented towards the load feature 24, while its surface 31 isoriented away from the load feature 24. The surface 31 of the holdfeature 702 secured to the mounting platform 1 on the side 65 isoriented towards the load feature 24, while its surface 30 is orientedaway from the load feature 24. The attachment system 48 beingsymmetrically arranged with the holes 54 of the hold features 702 aboutthe orientation in FIG. 28, the hold features 702 can be secured to themounting platform 1 with either surface 30,31 oriented towards the loadfeature 24 for desired training style.

Referring to FIG. 29, the surface 30 includes peaked curvature. Surface30 illustratively including a section 306 which slopes toward themounting platform 1, a section 308 which slopes away from the mountingplatform 1, and a transition 310 defined between the sections 308,310.In comparison to surface 3 o, surface 31 illustratively includes asection 316 which generally does not slope (or has minimal slope)towards or away from mounting platform 1, a section 318 which slopesaway from mounting platform 1, and a transition 320 defined between thesections 318. Surface 31 provides a flatter grip surface than surface30, but allows less curling of the finger about the transition 320 thanabout transition 310 which creates modified training implementations.Accordingly, a user can select the type of training desired by orientingthe selected surface 30,31 towards the load feature 24.

A optional hole 4040 is illustratively formed in hold feature 702 asshown in FIGS. 28 and 29. The hole 4040 is adapted to receive a fastenertherein for securing certain hold features to the opposite side of themounting platform 1 from the hold feature 702, for example, those holdfeatures which utilize the attachment system 32. Illustratively, thehole 4040 is adapted to receive the nut 36 therein for connection withthe bolt 34 through the mounting platform 1. Accordingly, hold featuresusing different attachment systems may be secured to opposite sides63,65 of the mounting platform 1 simultaneously. The optional hole 4040may be included in any of the hold features discussed herein.

The present disclosure includes hold features which include engagementplatforms for engagement with a user's finger to encourage gripstrength, stamina, and/or the like. Such hold features, such as holdfeature 2 including the engagement platform 22 oriented towards the loadfeature 6 as shown in FIG. 3, and may also include another engagementplatform 3022 disposed opposite the engagement platform 22. The holdfeatures of the present disclosure may be secured with their respectivemounting platforms in a manner such that the hold feature can beselectively rotated to position either engagement platform 22, 3022towards the respective load feature, for example, using a mountingsystem which is symmetric in securing the hold feature with the mountingplatform such that either the engagement platform or the otherengagement platform (some of which have been called out with numbering)can be oriented towards the respective load feature according to theuser's desire. In some embodiments, the engagement platforms of thepresent disclosure may be particularly sized lengthwise to accommodatesimultaneous engagement at least four fingers of a user's hand closelyheld together without spacing therebetween without additional length ofthe engagement platform to permit exercise of up to four fingers at thesame time without excess length. In some embodiments, the engagementplatforms of the present disclosure may be particularly sized lengthwiseto accommodate simultaneous engagement at least four fingers of a user'shand with at least two adjacent fingers spaced apart from each other topermit exercise of up to four fingers at the same time without excesslength to permit slightly spaced grip training. In some embodiments, theengagement platforms of the present disclosure may include particularsizing for slight spacing between three or four adjacent fingers withoutexcess additional length to permit other modes of slightly spaced griptraining.

In some embodiments, the attachment systems 3, 32, 48, 1032, 1048, 2032may each comprise means for attaching and may be embodied as joining byany suitable manner, for example but without limitation, fastening byfasteners of any suitable type and/or arrangement; bonding by chemicaladhesion; integral formation; press-fitting (interference fitting);and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the attachment systems3, 32, 48, 1048 may comprise means for releasably attaching and may beembodied as releasably joining by any suitable manner, for example butwithout limitation, fastening by fasteners of any suitable type and/orarrangement; press-fitting (interference fitting); any other suitablereleasable attachment permitting reconfiguration of the system 26,and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one of the holdfeatures 58, 60 may be attached with the mounting platform 1 by meansfor releasably attaching and the other hold features 58, 60 may beattached with the mounting platform 1 by means for attaching.

In some embodiments, the hold features 102, 202, 302 may be attached tothe mounting platform 1 on one side thereof 63, 65 by a bolt similar tobolt 34 but engaging with internal threads of hole 38 instead of the nut36 and having shorter length not projecting out from the hole 38 ontothe other side 63, 65 thereof. In such embodiments, one of the holdfeatures 402, 502, 602 may be attached with the mounting platform 1 onone side 63, 65 thereof, and one of the hold features 102, 202, 302 maybe attached with the mounting platform 1 on the other side 63, 65thereof. In such embodiments, reverse threading of one or the other ofthe inner and outer threads may be utilized to permit threading fromeither side 63, 65.

In some embodiments, the finger training devices and systems disclosedherein may be formed from a multitude of manufacturing and assemblingmethodologies. For instance, the devices and systems disclosed may bemilled, casted, or molded in its entirety as a single unit, or it may beassembled from a collection of milled, casted, or molded parts that makeup the various components of the devices and systems disclosed. Thedevices and systems disclosed can be accomplished using screws, weldingtechniques, adhesives, integral formation, and/or any other appropriateassembly methodology. Moreover, the devices and systems disclosed andtheir components can be manufactured from a variety of materials,including various metals and plastics, for example but withoutlimitation, polyurethane, polyester, resin, and/or natural materialssuch as wood.

The terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” and the like may be usedherein to modify elements performing similar and/or analogous functions.These modifiers are intended as identifiers and are not intended toimpose and/or imply any particular order, for example, spatial,sequential, or hierarchical order, to the modified elements unlessspecifically stated.

The present disclosure includes finger training devices, systems, andmethods that can offer a portable platform with which to train one'sfinger using a crimp, crimp-like, and/or other hold geometry. Thedevices, systems, and methods can be interfaced with a variety ofresistance platforms that offer variable or static resistance, and canbe used in a variety of orientations, configurations, and directions.The present disclosure includes devices, systems, and methods for fingertraining that can provide platforms oriented with respect to the usersfingers to improve finger strength and/or stamina. In some embodiments,the orientation of the load as transferred to the device can becoordinated with the platform that engages a user's fingers to provideefficient strength and stamina training.

The present disclosure includes embodiments of the finger trainingdevices, systems, and methods comprising a mounting platform and a holdfeature. In the illustrative embodiment, a crimp-like hold featureand/or, a hold feature geometry of the user's preference, is attached toa rigid mounting platform of a size and shape adequate to accommodatethe mounting of the hold feature, but small enough to preserveportability. The hold feature is illustratively attached to the mountingplatform using an appropriate fixturing means, usually bolts, and ispositioned on the mounting platform at a location conducive to itsunfettered and appropriate usage. The mounting platform, which may beconstructed of metal or some other material providing suitablemechanical properties, may illustratively have features that allow it tointerface with an external resistance apparatus. A non-limiting exampleof such feature that is usually adequate for this purpose, is a hole ofsufficient size to accommodate an attachment apparatus, such as acarabiner or hook. However, it would just as well serve the function ofthe present disclosure if the feature accommodated a proprietaryinterface specific to the resistance platform in use. Furthermore, holesin the mounting platform, either threaded or not, may be appropriatelyplaced so as to allow for the attachment of the hold feature with theappropriate fixturing hardware, such as screws or bolts and, ifnecessary, accompanying nuts. The overall design of the mountingplatform with the attached hold feature can allow the user to exert aforce upon the hold feature using only the fingers, in such a mannerthat the force exerted is opposed by the mechanics of whateverresistance platform is interfaced to the device, through the structuralrigidity of the mounting platform.

Appropriate resistance systems can include resistance systems that canbe interfaced with the devices, systems, and methods of the presentdisclosure, which supplies the force generally opposing that exerted bythe fingers in use. Such resistance systems might include, but are notlimited to, cable weight machines, cable crossover machines, elasticcordage or straps such as shock cords or bungee cords, resistance orexercise bands, springs, rubber bands, ropes, cable, cords, webbing,cordelettes, chains, or any linkage to any static or force generatingmechanism; or any combination thereof. Further, the direction of force,e.g. the force vector, may accordingly originate from any viabledirection and position. Examples include, but are not limited to:opposing force from above the user's head pulling upwards; below thewaist pulling downwards; midlevel pulling upwards, downwards, orhorizontally away; or from any position pulling sideways. Thus the rangeof orientations and usage of the devices, systems, and methods of thepresent disclosure is limited only by the usage envelope of theresistance platform being employed.

The present disclosure is not limited to so-called “crimp” hold featuregeometries, and is in fact intended to encompass any hold featuregeometry of any type; that is to say, a feature of any geometrical shapethat can be grasped by the user in the utilization of the device. In thepractice of climbing, there are known a plethora of different types ofholds categorized by their general shape. These include, but are notlimited to, jugs, mini-jugs, pockets, slopers, pinches, incuts, chips,edges, side pulls, underclings, gastons, and others known in the art ofclimbing. The incorporation of these and other hold types are within thescope of the present disclosure.

Any functional distinction described and/or shown between the mountingplatform and the hold feature does not necessarily imply a material orphysical distinction. That is to say, it is conceivable that themounting platform and the hold feature could be co-constructed of thesame material, and/or part of the same rigid body. For instance, amanufacturing process, be it machining, casting, molding or otherwise,can be conceived from which a unitary body entailing the functionalaspects of both the mounting platform and hold feature is derived.Similarly, a manufacturing process, be it machining, casting, molding orotherwise, can be conceived in which the component functional aspects ofthe present disclosure do not correspond to the component mechanicalaspects of the designs. There are indeed a multitude of mechanicalarrangements that can result in the functional equivalent of thedisclosed designs, and are accordingly within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

Conventional devices may assist in the development and training of thefingers of the hand. Of particular interest is the finger strengthand/or stamina that is desirable to cling to and remain suspended fromvery small features of the structure, which provide only a very smallsurface area onto which the fingers of the climber can make supportivephysical contact. It is generally the case of such features that thedepth (width) is less than the length of the distal phalanges of the anaverage human beings' finger, and the length of such features such thatall, few, or only one finger may be accommodated. In the practice ofrock climbing, for instance, such features are known colloquially as“crimp” holds, which generally describes any hold that cannotaccommodate a grasp beyond the first knuckle of the climber's fingers.More generally, a “hold” is anything that can be grasped by a climber asa means of support.

In the practice of climbing, and rock climbing in particular, it can beof great interest to strengthen the muscles attached to the fingers sothat the fingers have sufficient strength to allow the climber to clingand remain suspended from a climbing structure using these small “crimp”like holds. Accomplishing this kind of finger training in conventionalfitness settings, such as a common gym, presents challenges because theequipment, facilities, practices, and techniques of conventionalstrength training that involve the hands often employ large and/or fullhand grips, wherein much of the full length of the fingers is used tograsp the relevant auxiliary of the equipment in use. Moreover, specificorientation of the engagement between the fingers and the grip can beoverlooked. As such, generally speaking, conventional gym equipment canfail to provide adequate utility towards strengthening the fingers, forexample, where it is desirable to train using less than a full gripand/or to use less than one knuckle length of merely one or a fewfingers.

Some specialized equipment exists, for example, “hang boards” and“campus boards”, which are platforms from which climbers hang and dopull-up like exercises with only crimp-like holds available to grasp.Such equipment are effective but can have shortcomings for example,size, weight, requirement to affix to a larger/robust supportstructures, may not be easily portable, may generally require the fullweight of the user's body be borne by the fingers, which may be moreforce than what is desired and, in fact, so excessive that injury mayresult, may not allow for additional weight beyond the weight of theuser. They may not be conducive to interfacing with external resistanceplatforms that can provide less than full body weight resistance, whichis generally desirable when the fingers are not yet strong enough tosupport the full weight of one's body, and/or one desires to do intervaltraining to fatigue. They may not provide for any manner of changing thegeometry or nature of the hold being used into another size, type, orshape. Lastly, they may not easily permit usage from differentdirections, configurations, or orientations, such as when one desires totrain for underclings (grasping from below a feature), from the front,or from the side. However, the foregoing description of potentiallimitations of known devices/techniques does not require any or allshortcomings must be overcome by the devices, systems, and methods ofthe present disclosure.

Other equipment may exist that directly exercise the fingers, but not ina manner having mechanics consistent with a particular sport, forexample, climbing. So-called grip trainers, for instance, may exercisethe fingers by exerting a compressive resistance between the fingers andthe palm of the user's hand, whereby the user can squeeze components ofthe device with the fingers to affect its operation. But this type oftraining may not incorporate the greater aspect of climbing bodymechanics, wherein the climber must use his or her finger strength tosupport his or her entire or partial body weight through the arms andshoulders, while suspended from climbing structure. Other techniques,such as manually compressing an elastic ball, have similar limitations.However, the foregoing description of potential limitations of knowndevices/techniques does not require any or all shortcomings must beovercome by the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure.

Therefore, what is needed is a portable platform that can be used toperform finger training exercises that incorporate crimp-like or otherdesired hold geometries, which can be interfaced with an externalresistance platform offering variable or static resistance, and whichpermits utilization in a variety of orientations, configurations, anddirections. Moreover, selectively configurable arrangements within thepresent disclosure provide a flexible training platform to customizetraining.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a finger strengthtraining apparatus may include a mounting platform and hold feature. Themounting platform may include any of an upper surface, a lower surface,a distal end, a proximal end, a first side, a second side, a firstfemale threaded hole passing through the mounting plate and disposedsubstantially near the proximal end and off center towards the firstside of the mounting platform. The mounting platform may include asecond female threaded hole passing through the mounting platform anddisposed substantially near the proximal end and off center towards thesecond side of the mounting platform. The mounting platform may includea third hole passing through the mounting platform and disposedsubstantially near and central to the distal end of the mountingplatform. The hold feature may include any of an upper surface, a lowersurface, a top surface, a bottom surface, a first side, and second side,a first counterbored hole passing through the hold feature from theupper surface and disposed off center towards the first side, and asecond counterbored hole passing through the hold feature from the uppersurface and disposed off center towards the second side. In someembodiments, a first and second bolt may be used to attach the holdfeature to the mounting platform, wherein the first bolt may passthrough the first counterbored hole of the hold feature and may screwonto the first female threaded hole of the mounting platform, and thesecond bolt may pass through the second counterbored hole of the holdfeature and may screw onto the second female threaded hole of themounting platform.

In some embodiments, the third hole of the mounting platform may be usedto interface with an external resistance apparatus. In some embodiments,a fourth hole passing through the mounting platform and disposedsubstantially near and central to the proximal end of the mountingplatform may be used to attach a custom hold feature. In someembodiments, the side corners of the distal end of the mounting platformmay be chamfered. In some embodiments, the mounting plate may befabricated from metal.

In some embodiments, the top surface of the hold feature may be beveledinwardly towards the center of the lower surface of the hold feature. Insome embodiments, the bottom surface of the hold feature may be beveledinwardly towards the center of the lower surface of the hold feature. Insome embodiments, the upper surface of the hold feature may be beveleddownwardly towards the lower surface on the bottom side of the holdfeature. In some embodiments, the hold may have an undefined geometry.In some embodiments, the hold feature may be a commercially availablethird-party hold. In some embodiments, the hold feature may be made ofresin. In some embodiments, the hold feature may be made of wood, metal,or plastic, or some combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the mounting platform and the hold feature may be asingle unitary physical body. In some embodiments, the first femalethreaded hole of the mounting plate may not be threaded, and the secondfemale threaded hole of the mounting plate may not be threaded, and thefirst bolt may pass through the first hole of the mounting platform andmay be secured with a nut adjacent to the lower surface of the mountingplatform, and the second bolt may pass through the second hole of themounting platform and may be secured with a nut adjacent to the lowersurface of the mounting platform. In some embodiments, hold features maybe attached simultaneously to both the upper surface and lower surfaceof the mounting platform. In some embodiments, the hold feature may beremovably attached to the mounting platform so that it may permit theattachment of a selectable range of hold feature geometries.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to severalembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing fromthe scope and/or spirit thereof. Therefore, it is intended that thedisclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as thebest mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that thedisclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope and/orspirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A finger training system for applying resistanceto at least one finger of a user for physical activity, the systemcomprising: a resistance load including a resistance cable and asecuring member connected with the resistance cable, the securing memberconfigured to secure the resistance cable to apply load to at least oneof the user's fingers, a mounting platform including a mounting bodyhaving a load feature for connection with the securing member, themounting body formed as a plate having a length and including first andsecond faces disposed opposite each other, the mounting platformincluding a mounting section and a load section arranged on opposingends of the mounting body, the load feature including a penetrationthrough the body at the load section configured to receive the securingmember therein for transferring force of the resistance load to thebody, and a collection of hold features each selectively attachable tothe mounting section of the body of the mounting platform for engagementwith at least one of the user's fingers to work against the resistanceload, wherein the collection includes at least one basic hold featureand at least one advanced hold feature each forming an engagementplatform oriented towards the load section of the body for engagementwith at least one of the user's fingers to work against the resistanceload, the engagement platform of the basic hold feature having uniformcontour along the length direction of the body to provide the user abeginner grip on the basic hold feature.
 2. The finger training systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one advanced hold feature includes acustom hold feature, the engagement platform of the custom hold featurehaving non-uniform contour along the length direction of the body toprovide the user an expert grip on the custom hold feature.
 3. Thefinger training system of claim 1, wherein the at least one advancedhold feature includes a journeyman hold feature, the engagement platformof the journeyman hold feature having uniform contour along the lengthdirection of the body and sloping away from the load section to providethe user a journeyman grip on the custom hold feature.
 4. The fingertraining system of claim 1, wherein the engagement platform of the basichold feature slopes towards the load section to provide the user thebeginner grip on the basic hold feature.
 5. The finger training systemof claim 4, wherein the engagement platform of the basic hold featurehas a slope towards the load section in the range of about 1 to about 10degrees from horizontal.
 6. The finger training system of claim 1,wherein the mounting body is tapered along the length direction in theload section.
 7. The finger training system of claim 1, wherein one ofthe collection of hold features is secured to the first side of themounting body.
 8. The finger training system of claim 7, wherein anotherone of the collection of hold features is secured to the second side ofthe mounting body.
 9. The finger training system of claim 1, wherein theresistance cable is a resilient cable and the force of the resistanceload includes elastic resilience of the resistance cable.
 10. The fingertraining system of claim 1, wherein the mounting platform is a firstmounting platform and the system further comprises a second mountingplatform secured to the resistance cable opposite from the firstmounting platform.
 11. The finger training system of claim 1, whereinthe engagement platform of each of the collection of hold features isconfigured to engage with at least one of the user's fingers for adistance no greater than a length from the tip of the user's finger tothe user's distal knuckle to improve the user's fingertip grip.
 12. Aphysical training system for applying resistance to at least one fingerof a user for physical activity, the system comprising: a resistanceload including a resistance cable and a securing member connected withthe resistance cable, the securing member configured to secure theresistance cable to apply load to at least one of the user's fingers, amounting platform including a mounting body having a load feature forconnection with the securing member, the mounting body formed as a platehaving a length and including first and second faces disposed oppositeeach other, the mounting platform including a mounting section and aload section arranged on opposing ends of the mounting body, the loadfeature including a penetration through the body at the load sectionconfigured to receive the securing member therein for transferring forceof the resistance load to the body, and a collection of hold featureseach selectively attachable to the mounting section of the body of themounting platform for engagement with at least one of the user's fingersto work against the resistance load, wherein the collection includes atleast one basic hold feature and at least one advanced hold feature eachforming an engagement platform oriented towards the load section of thebody and configured for engagement with at least one of the user'sfingers to work against the resistance load, the engagement platform ofthe basic hold feature having uniform contour along the length directionof the body to provide the user a beginner grip on the basic holdfeature.
 13. The finger training system of claim 12, wherein theengagement platform of the basic hold feature slopes towards the loadsection to provide the user the beginner grip on the basic hold feature.14. The finger training system of claim 13, wherein the engagementplatform of the basic hold feature has a slope towards the load sectionin the range of about 1 to about 10 degrees from horizontal.
 15. Thefinger training system of claim 12, wherein the mounting body is taperedalong the length direction in the load section.
 16. The finger trainingsystem of claim 12, wherein one of the collection of hold features issecured to the first side of the mounting body.
 17. The finger trainingsystem of claim 16, wherein another one of the collection of holdfeatures is secured to the second side of the mounting body.
 18. Thefinger training system of claim 12, wherein the resistance cable is aresilient cable and the force of the resistance load includes elasticresilience of the resistance cable.
 19. The finger training system ofclaim 12, wherein the mounting platform is a first mounting platform andthe system further comprises a second mounting platform secured to theresistance cable opposite from the first mounting platform.
 20. Thefinger training system of claim 12, wherein the engagement platform ofeach of the collection of hold features is configured to engage with atleast one of the user's fingers for a distance no greater than a lengthfrom the tip of the user's finger to the user's distal knuckle toimprove the user's fingertip grip.